Valdes last featured for Spain in May 2014, but has since found himself out in the cold having suffered a serious knee injury.

The Spanish veteran goalkeeper has also found himself banished from Manchester United's Champions League squad after a bitter public row with manager Louis van Gaal.

But despite a serious lack of competitive action, the compassionate Del Bosque was tempted to help the 33-year-old by including him in his squad to face Slovakia and Macedonia in two vital Euro 2016 qualification games.

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RETURN: Vincente Del Bosque said he was close to recalling Victor Valdes to the Spanish nati...

“We have been very close to bringing Valdes back to the national team”

Vincente Del Bosque

Del Bosque told La Sexta: "We have been very close to bringing Valdes back to the national team.

"It was a moment when I think it would have been good for him to be with us again, sincerely I regret not having included him in the squad.

"Why we don't bring in and help a guy who has been very good for the Spanish national team?

"And I know that the national team is not charity but maybe Valdes needed a boost, a support, and and in the end we didn't give it to him.

"Maybe we been cowards to not do it. I think we have to have feelings and humanity."